Alternating switch and circuit combination



' Dec. 16,1941. P. T. GA'LT, JR, Em 2,266,020

ALTERNATING SWITCH AND CIRGUIT COMBINATION Filed Jan. 24, 1940 HAROLD E. SCHLEICHER l-l z'r atl'arneys PAUL T. GALTa'x.

Patented Dec. 16, 1941 iaul '1. Gait, J12, Hartford, and Harold E. Schieicher, Elmwocd, Conn, assignors to The Arrow-Hart & Hegeman Electric 00., Hartford, 001111., a corporation of Connecticut Application January 24, 1940, Serial No. 315,428

11 Claims.

This invention relates to an alternating switch device and a circuit arrangement in which such switch device may be incorporated to accomplish the alternate use of one or another of two motors or like pieces of electrical apparatus. More particularly, the invention relates to a switch and circuit arrangement for alternating the use of electrically-driven pumps.

It is an object of our invention to provide a simplified switch and circuit arrangement for accomplishing the alternate use of one or another of two electric motors. Another object of our invention is to provide a circuit arrangement of simplified form including a simplified switch mechanism whereby one or another, or both, motors of electrically-driven pumps may be energized, as the occasion arises, Other objects and advantages of our invention will become apparent as it is described in connection with the accompanying drawing.

In the drawing Fig. l is a side elevation view of an alternator switch mechanism embodying the principles of our invention;

Fig. 2 is an end elevation, partly broken away, of the switch mechanism shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a transverse section view taken along line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. i is a diagram showing the circuit arrangem nt of the switch shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, when used for accompli hing alternate joint operation of two electric motors.

Referring to the drawing, Fig. 1 shows a switch. mechanism which is mounted upon a base it, which may be stamped from shee metal. Upon the base on opposite ends are mounted standards I 2 and is, which may be stamped. from sheet metal to provide flanges, for example 521), at their top and bottom. Upon the upper a blocl: of insulating material it rests and carries the fixed and movable contacts of the switch m chanism.

The fixed contacts may comprise contact buttons, such as lfia, which are mounted upon the inner surface of one leg of a U-shaped member 18b. This member is stamped from a s .p of sheet metal and secured to the under surface of the insulating block is by a bolt 28 passing through the block from the top surface, The bolt 2!) may also serve to secure a wire terminal plate 22 in position on top of t is black. and the terminal plate may have a binding screw 24- for: the purpose of securing lead wires thereto.

Also mounted upon the under surface of the insulating block l6 are resilient movable contacts comprising contact buttons such as 25a which are adapted to cooperate with the contact buttons 18a. The buttons 28a may be mounted upon the end of a U-bent strip of resilient sheet metal, such as 25b. One leg of this U-bent metal strip may be secured to the under surface of the insulating block 55 by a bolt 28, passing through the block from the top, which at the same time secures a terminal plate 3% in position on top of the block. Although only one set of fixed and movable contacts have been described, there are four sets of these motnted side by side on the underside of the block These sets are operated by four cam discs 36, 33, 49, as will hereinafter be more clearly described. Each of the movable contact members has a hump 25c struck out of its resilient U member 26b in position to be engaged by the surface of the cam members.

Contact operating discs 34 and 36 are mounted upon an axle 42 which is journalled in the standards 52 and I These cam discs 34 and 35 are spaced apart by an insulating sleeve it and are secured permanently to the axle 42 so as to move as a unit therewith. The cam discs 38 and is are fixedly mounted upon a sleeve 4% which is, in turn, loosely mounted upon the axle 4'3. The discs 52 and 3B are spaced apart from each other by an insulator sleeve 48 and, by a sleeve from a ratchet wheel 52. The ratchet wheel 52 is mounted fixedly upon the end of sleeve it so as to move as a unit with the sleeve and cam members 38 and 42. A pawl 54 mounted upon a fixed axis 5% in the standard M has a laterally-extending pin engaging with the teeth on the periphery of the ratchet w eel 52 and held against the teeth by a spring 6%, whose upper end is attached to the pin 58, while its lower end is attached to a pin 62 in the bottom portion of the standard Hi. This pawl engages with the teeth on the ratchet wheel 52 to limit clockwise (Fig. 2) rotation of the cam discs 33 and 4%.

For the purpose of oscillating the shaft 42 and for rotating the ratchet wheel 52, there is provided an operating lever fi l which has a yoke.-' shaped end embracing the standards 12 and Hi. The arms t la t ll) of the yoke are pivotally mounted upon the standards 42 and i l by pins, such as 55, which are co-axial and whose axis is spaced from, but parallel to, the axis of the axle t2. Operated by the movements of the member is an arm 38 which is rigidly mounted upon, and extends radially from, the axle 42 between the standard and ratchet wheel 52. To

connect the yoke portion of member 64 with the arm 68, a pin 51 is rigidly mounted upon, and extends laterally from, the mid-portion of the arm 68 through a slot 69 in the standard M and into a circular aperture in the portion Mb of the operating member 54. In this manner, movement of the member 64 will be partaken by the lever 68 and axle 42 so that cams 3d and 365 and the lever 63 will oscillate as a unit with operating member 64.

By spacing the pin 61 from the pivot 66 of the operating arm and on the opposite side of the axle 42 from the pivot 66, there is accomplished a multiplied effect of movement of the operating arm over what would be had if the aXes of pivot 66 and axle 42 were coincident. This construction also makes possible other uses of the invention, besides that specifically mentioned herein, where the amount of movement of the element which controls the operating arm is substantially different than a float. The spacing of the pivots may be varied, within the scope of the invention, to accommodate the apparatus to various fields of use.

In order to cause rotation of the cams 38 and ill, a pawl device '72 is pivotally mounted by a pin 14 upon the end of the arm 68 and is urged by a spring '16 which is connected with the pawl E2 and with the lever 68 so as to hold a laterallyextending pin 18 in the end of the pawl member 12 in engagement with the periphery and teeth of the ratchet wheel 52. Thus, as the operating member 64 moves up, it thereby causes movement of the arm 68. Thus, the pawl '52 and its pin engage with one or another of the teeth of the ratchetwheel to cause movement of the ratchet wheel and corresponding movement of the sleeve 46 and cams 38 and to.

In the example shown, there are four high points, such as Mia and 33a, on each of the cam discs 38 and A53, and between each high point is a low point of slightly greater extent. The high portions 38 and 40 are staggered with relation to each other, so that when a high point, for example lfia, engages with the portion 260 of the movable contact 26b, to elevate it, a low point on the cam 38 will permit the movable contact controlled by that cam to remain in closed circuit position. Thus, when the switch controlled by the cam ii! is opened, the switch controlled by the cam 38 will be closed, and vice versa.

In Fig. 2, the operating member $4 is shown in its lowermost position. In Fig. 3, it is shown in its uppermost position. The lowest position is .ie off position of the whole switch mechanism, and the uppermost position is the abnormal or flood condition position. In between the high and the low, is a normal operating position. In this normal position, as will hereinafter be more fully described, one or another of the two motors for operating electrically-driven pumps, are encircuited. In the uppermost position, both pump motors will be encircuited for the reason that both of the switches controlled by the cams 38 and ii will be in closed circuit position, as shown in Fig. 3. "In order to accomplish the simultane-.

ous closing of both switches, the high points on the cams 38 and 2-9 are short enough so that the "high point of one cam, for instance 33a, will pass on, to permit closing of the switch it controls, before the high point Ma of the cam 59 moves far enough to cause opening of the switch which it controls (see Fig. 3).

At the same time, the parts of the device are proportional so that this simultaneous closing occurs when the operating arm is in its uppermost position, so that further movement of the arm with concomitant opening of either one of the alternator switches 1G4 and I06 is precluded.

The form of the teeth on ratchet wheel 52 and the strength of the spring iii are such as to create sufilcient friction to cause clockwise rotation of the ratchet 52 and cams 38 and it back to normal position (Fig. 2) wherein pawl 54 holds the ratchet wheel 52 against further clockwise movement. It will be understood that the parts must be proportioned so that the movement of the operating arm 64 to uppermost position will not be sufiicient to permit the pawl 55 to catch a succeeding tooth.

In the diagram of Fig. 4, the switch controlled by the cam 34 is illustrated as switch Mil, whose contacts are connected with the neutral line N of a three-wire power supply and with the solenoids Si and S2 of electromagnetically-operated switches, MI and M2. This switch may be called a stop switch. It functions to cause opening of the circuit when the operating lever 6 comes into its lowermost position.

The switches controlled by cams 38 and 4!] may be called alternator switches. They are shown as IM and it. One contact of each of these alternator switches H94 and I06 is connected to the solenoids Si and S2 respectively, while the other contacts are connected to one contact of a starting switch 162 which is controlled by the cam disc 35. The other contact of switch ltZ is connected to the power line Li. Normally the starting switch is the last to close and first to open of all the switches which are operated by the cams 34, 35, 3S and it. The alternator switch s normally operate before switch 162 closes. Thus, when the operating lever moves from the position shown in Fig. 2, it will first cause closing of the switch Wt. Then further movement will cause opening of one of the alternator switches and closing of the other. Upon still further movement to the mid or normal operating position, the switch Hi2 will close, where.- upon one or another of the solenoids SI, S2 will be energized. However, before switch I02 is closed by cam 3%, the ratchet 52 will have rotated sufficiently to have the pawl 5.4 catch a new tooth. Otherwise, one of the motors might be started without the alternation of motors on the next cycle being assured by prevention of reverse (clockwise) movement of the ratchet and cams 38 and it.

If, as switch it? closes, the solenoid SI be energized as shown in Fig. 4., the electromagnetic switch Ml will be closed, causing the motor Pi, to be connected to the power lines Ll, L2 and At the same time, an auxiliary switch AI is closed by the closing movement of the electromagnetic switch Mi. This switch has one contact connected to the power line Ll, while the other is connected to the side of the solenoid SI, which is opposite to that which is connected to the neutral line N through the switch itil. In a similar manner, an auxiliary switch A2 is closed as the electromagnetic switch M2 Operates. Switches A! and A2 shunt around starting switch m2 and alternator switches HM and Hit. It may, therefore, be seen that the energization of the solenoid SI will continue so long as the switch S is closed. Since this switch is the first to close and the last to open, it will only .open when the operating lever 6. 3 comes into its lowermost position, or in other words, if the lever 64 be operated by a float, the switch H30 will only open when the water level has reached a predetermined minimum.

In case of unusually heavy inflow of water, the float-operated lever 54 will move through midposition (where either M4 or 195 will close, as the case may be) to uppermost position, as shown in Fig. 3, causing both switches I84, 155 to close. This will cause both electromagnetic switches Ml M2 to close and remain closed until the water has reached a predetermined minimum and the arm 64 is in its lowermost position. At that time, the switch I653 will open and cause both electromagnetic switches to open.

It is important to note that the operation of both pump motors simultaneously does not interfere with the normal alternation of the apparatus. Thus, the high water condition simply causes another pump to function in the event that the float continues to rise above normal. Notwithstanding that, that pump will be the one which operates next, in the normal sequence.

This principle will apply even though more than two pumps are incorporated in the system and operate normally in sequence, or all together, during flood conditions.

From the foregoing, it will be observed that we have provided an electric alternator switch mechanism which but four sets of fixed and movable contacts comprising four individual switch means that are controlled by a single op erating lever in a predetermined order. Our alternator only requires the same number of sets of contacts or switching means as there are motors to be sequentially operated, plus an opening switching means and a closing switching means. Furthermore, we have provided an arrangement of our alternator in a circuit which requires a minimum number of connections but which accomplishes the maximum desired functions in a system for controlling the operation of one or another, or all of the motors of several electrically-driven pumps. The alternator switch can be operated by a float or in response to the movement of any part whose action is governed by the conditions to be controlled or work to be done by the motors.

The operating parts on the base i8 may be totally enclosed by side plates 70 of insulating material. Tongues or extensions Mo on the top and bottom edges of said plates may project through or into complementary apertures or recesses in the base It and block 56, whereby the plates are interlocked. in proper permanent position, with the block it and base E Within the scope of our invention, is the provision of another block, like block it, with its accompanying parts, to be mounted on the bottom of the device in place of base Iii. The switching devices of this bottom block may be operated by the cams 34, 35, and 4% or by similar cams mounted beside cams 34, 35, 38 and and moving as units with them respectively. In this manner, additional motors, or the like, could be sequentially selected for operation by cams 38 and 40 and controlled by cams as, or their counter parts.

Many modifications within the scope of our invention will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, we do not limit the invention to the specific embodiment shown.

We claim:

1. In a motor alternating system, a plurality of electromagnetic switching devices for connecting electric motors to power lines, said devices each having a coil which when energized holds its device in closed circuit position, contact means which engage when said devices move into closed circuit position and which cause energization of the coils of their respective devices, in combination with an alternator operable in response to variations in condition of work to be done comprising a plurality of selector contact means individually engageable to select one or another of said coils for connection to power lines to operate said switching devices, contact means to complete the circuit through the selected coil, additional contact means to break the circuit through the selected coil, and means causing at least two of said selector contact means to engage during the existence of an abnormal amount of work to be done.

2. In a motor alternating system, a plurality of electromagnetic switching devices for connecting electric motors to power lines, said devices each having a coil which when energized holds its device in closed circuit position, contact means which engage when said devices move into closed circuit position and which cause energization of the coils of their respective devices, in combination with an alternator operable in response to variations in condition of work to be done comprising a plurality of individual selector contact means, and means to separately operate said individual contact means to closed circuit position to select one or another of said coils, a single switching means operable to complete the circuit through any selected coil upon the occurrence of a predetermined normal amount of work to be done, and another single switching means operable to cause a break in the circuit through all said coils upon the com pletion of the work and means constructed and arranged to cause operation to closed-circuit position of at least two of said individual selector contact means, when an abnormal amount of work to be done has accumulated.

3. In a system for causing alternate energization of circuits of electrically-driven pumps, a separate electromagnetic switch for each of a plurality of circuits, each switch having fixed and movable contacts which are en ageable and disengageable to energize and deenergize its circuit and a solenoid to hold it closed, each switch having auxiliary contacts engageable as the switch closes, and an alternating device comprising a single switch constructed and arranged to cause deenergization of said solenoids in one position of said device, another single switch means constructed and arranged to cause energization of said solenoids in another position of said device, and a single switch means for each solenoid constructed and arrang d to alternate with one another in movement to open and closed positions as said device moves between said one position and said other position, and means constructed and arranged to cause said alternately operating switch means to energize both said solenoids at once in a third position of said device.

4. In combination with two main switches for energizing electric circuits, a device for controlling the operation of said switches comprising a single set of energizing contact means, a single set of deenergizing contact means separate from said energizing means, and a single set of selector contact means for each of said main switches operable to prepare appropriate circuit connections to cause one or the other of said main switches to move to closed position, a single member moving in response to the conditions to be controlled actuating all said sets, and a control system to effect alternate closure of one or the other of said selector contact means under normal conditions and to effect closure of both selector contact means under abnormal conditions, said system including coils energized by the closing of said energizing contact means and deenergized by the opening of said deenergizing contact means.

5. The combination claimed in claim 4, further characterized by means operable on closure of said main switches to hold said main switches closed after opening movement of said energizing contact means.

6. The combination claimed in claim l, further characterized by means operable on closure of each of said main switches to maintain closed whichever of said main switches has been closed until said deenergizing contact means opens and, if both said main switches are closed, to maintain closed both said main switches until said deenergizing contact means opens.

'7. In a system for controlling the energization, deenergization and sequential operation of several electric circuits, a device comprising a single set of energizing contact means, a single set of deenergizing contact means, a single set of selector contact means for each circuit of the several circuits, a single member moving in response to the conditions to be controlled for actuating all said sets, means to cause sequential closing of said sets of selector contact means, in combination with connections constructed and arranged to cause said energizing means to function after said deenergizing means and at least one of said selector means are closed, and connections constructed and arranged for said deenergizing means to cause all of said circuits to be deenergized.

8. In a system for controlling the energization, deenergization and sequential operation of several electric circuits, a device comprising a single set of energizing contact means, a single set of deenergizing contact means, a single set of selector contact means for each circuit of the several circuits, a single member moving in response to the conditions to be controlled for actuating all said sets, means to cause sequential closing of said sets of selector contact means, and means operative under abnormal conditions to cause closing of all said sets of selector contact means, in combination with connections constructed and arranged to cause said energizing means to function after said deenergizing means and at least one of said selector means are closed, and connections constructed and arranged for said deenergizing means to cause all of said circuits to be deenergized.

9. In a system for controlling the energizing, deenergizing and sequential operation of several electric motors or the like, a device comprising a single set of energizing contact means, a single set of deenergizing contact means, a single set of selector contact means for each motor of the several motors, a single member moving in response to the conditions to be controlled for actuating all said sets, means to cause sequential closing of said sets of selector contact means, and means operative under abnormal conditions to cause closing of all said sets of selector contact means and to cause reopening of all but one set of selector contact means when said abnormal condition has been reduced to normal, in combination with connections constructed and arranged to cause said energizing means to function after said deenergizing means and at least one of said selector means are closed, and connections constructed and arranged for said deenergizing means to cause all of said circuits to be deenergized.

10. 'In a system for controlling the energizing, deenergizing and sequential operation of several electric motors or the like, a device comprising a single set of energizing contact means, a single set of deenergizing contact means, a single set of selector contact means for each motor of the several motors, a single member moving in response to the conditions to be controlled for actuating all said sets, means to cause sequential operation of said selector switch means as said single member moves into one position, means to cause operation of said deenergizing switch means as said member moves into another position, means to cause operation of said energizing switch means as said single member moves into "a position other than said one position, and means to cause closing of all said selector switch means as said single member moves into a third position, in combination with connections constructed and arranged to cause said'energ-izing means to function after said deenergizing means and at least one of said selector means are closed, and connections constructed and arranged for said deenergizing means to cause all of said circuits to be deenergized.

11. In a system for controlling the energ-ization, deenergization and sequential operation of several electric circuits, a device comprising a single set of energizing contact means, a single set of deenergizing contact means, a single set of selector contact means for each circuit of the several circuits, a single member moving in response to the conditions to be controlled for actuating all said sets, means operated by movement of said single member in one direction only into one position for causing sequential operation of said selector switch means, means to cause operation of said deenergizing switch means as said member moves into another position, means to cause operation of said energizing switch means as said single member moves into a position other than said one position, and means to cause closing of all said selector switch means as said single member moves into a third position, in combination with connections constructed and arranged to cause said energizing means to function after said deenergizing means and at least one of said selector means are closed, and connections constructed and arranged for said deenergizing means to cause all of said circuits to be deenergized.

PAUL T. GALT, JR. 'HAROLD E. SCI-ILEICHER. 

